Sherri Shepherd, Bill Maher Spar Over God: Bill Tells Sherri She Should Go To Psych Ward

Bill Maher appeared on "The View" Tuesday morning to promote his upcoming film, "Religulous," which comes out Friday. When Maher tried to debunk a basic tenet of Christianity, Sherri Shepherd, whose devout religious beliefs have provided fodder for the show before, asked, "When you did this movie, you talked to a lot of people about God — have you ever just talked to God, and asked God what does he think?"

When Maher asked Sherri if God ever answered her, and she said that he did, Maher said: "Well then we should call Bellevue." Bellevue is a New York hospital known for its psychiatric facilities.

Watch:

Previously:
Sherri Shepherd: I "Had More Abortions Than I Would Like to Count" Before I Was Saved
WATCH: Sherri Explains Abortion Remark
Sherri Shepherd: I Thought Earthquake Was Armageddon
Sherri Shepherd Doesn't Get That Whole BC Thing, Insists "Jesus Came First"

Comments

[Clayton139]

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http://www.whatthebleep.com/
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This will make you think and search more of what you may already know. I hope this helps a lot of people to discuss, understand, and agree or to agree to disagree in a process of reasoning with each other without argument.

[pleasegetitright]

I'm a huge fan of this film. And for me, just as you suggested, it indeed made me think and search more of what I thought I knew. I would study science or physics all day if I had the time, and this film was astoundingly fulfilling with all their theories and such, but even more that they actually proved them!!! It was so freakin cool!!

[imajoebob]

Cogito Ergo Sum.

The only absolute, irrefutable truth.

[TeslaFan]

That's what you think.

[mephjeff]

So: the rock doesn't think, therefore it isn't?

[TeslaFan]

How do you know the rock doesn't think?

[GEM-592]

No, the rock is because you think it is. If you doubt your senses at this level, then life is a deception and you have nothing to argue about.

[GEM-592]

The correct contrapositive would be "that which doesn't exist surely does not think". You invert the logic, a common error.

[gusti2]

God talks to me, too. He tells me not to watch The View because Sherri and Elizabeth are crazy!

Seriously, I am happy that Maher has created Religilous. Someone had to finally show the idiocy of religion, and most people are too scared of all the religious nuts to stand up to them. Thank you, Bill Maher.

[nellpost]

And mocking makes bill taller?

[TeslaFan]

He parties with world leaders, intellectuals, celebrities, and the most beautiful women in the world EVERY NIGHT!

What do you do?

[Mikuto]

Taller? I'm confused...

[Meggie]

You must go see the movie. He merely questions, and true believers must be able to answer questions without being so defensive. Sherri tried to attack rather than discuss, and she got what she deserved. She also thinks the world is flat, right?

[purenergy]

I wish Bill would at least recognize the difference between "religion" and "spirituality". Religion is the best way to avoid really having a spiritual relationship with the world. When one is truely spirit centered, they can acknowledge and understand the symbolism of these mythical stories, scrape away the dogma and doctrine imposed on the "messages" by the religious "powers that be" and see the true meaning behind the story of Christ and Horus. When one truly embraces "GOD" they understand that Horus and Lazerus are Christ /God as are you and I, even Bill.

[Mikuto]

"Religion is the best way to avoid really having a spiritual relationship with the world"

I couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you.

[TeslaFan]

"Religion is the last refuge of a Scoundrel."

[whySoSerious]

now you are preaching your religion

[Meggie]

Religion only requires a couple hours a week.

[vonniewit]

I can't wait to see the movie. It is perfect timing. Americans need to wake up. Religion has been used to control and divide us. I grew up Christian, but I am now agnostic. I believe that we are created by a force or forces that we don’t have the capacity to understand or define. It's arrogant for us to think otherwise.

It is common sense to me that my creator(s) embody both characteristics that are opposite, such as positive and negative, male and female, yin and yang, night and day, et cetera.

There is one problem about religion that I wish that I could solve: Black people's devout association with Christianity, which was forced upon our ancestors by cruel slave masters. Why do we still practice it?! Religion in the black community has caused more harm than good. It is the main reason why we are in the shape we are in. Most black churches do not preach or teach economic empowerment and other solution that can help to uplift Blacks. Yet, they have the undivided attention of many Blacks.

I can't stand when people do horrible things like numerous abortions (which is their right) but then want to get all religious afterwards.

[NoMoFearNoMoHate]

what's arrogant is to think that you are so special that you had to have been created!

[TeslaFan]

"Mommie SAID I was special!"

[vonniewit]

How arrogant of you to impose your beliefs on me. I have the right to consider how I came about. You don't have to accept my beliefs as your own. But I be damn if you are going to force yours on me. I am my own chosen person - not some other person or group.

[coastalcarla]

Face it - religion is just a magic pill that turns unanswerable questions into unquestionable answers. Nothing more.

[NoMoFearNoMoHate]

that is probably the most succinct definition of science versus the 'paranormal' (paranoid?) that I've ever heard! very nice.

[TheBlackCat]

i have a question for religious people- and I am NOT one to knock religion. I am religious myself. However i don't think I am BETTER or BETTER OFF in any way due to my personal spiritual beliefs. This is for people who think that those without religion are "mising something" and are more likely to do bad things or live bad lives...

Why is it that the most religious regions of the nation- the upper midwest and the deep south, have the highest rates in the nation of pretty much every social problem- teen pregnancy, spousal abuse, hard drug use, divorce, crime, etc. If religion keeps you from doing these things than how come the regions which claim the highest number of devotees have the most problems?

Also why is it that the LEAST religious nations in the world- those that comprise Scandanavia and Benelux, have the LOWEST rate of social ills in the world- crime, poverty, violence, teen pregnancy, divorce, drug addiction, teen deliquency, etc etc?

[TeslaFan]

How do good christians justify the history of Oppression against their fellow believers and American citizens, the African American?

[NoMoFearNoMoHate]

I would say it is because they believe that they will be forgiven for committing these wrongs, or 'sins' as they would put it - whereas a humanist believes you are defined by what you do on this earth and that you only get one shot to make the best of it.

[Mikuto]

Personally I'm not sure if they're directly related. Population density and laws might have make a difference in crime and the lack thereof in any country.

The problem with some organized religions though, is they imply that you can do whatever you want, then confess your sins to god and you'll be absolved. It's a spiritual get-out-of-jail free card.

Personally I believe in Karma. Do good things, good things come to you, do bad things, and no matter how much you apologize, bad things will come to you.

[TeslaFan]

Then why do Dictators rule with no impunity?

[TeslaFan]

It should read:

Then why do Dictators rule with impunity?

[TheBlackCat]

I'm not suggesting they're related, don't get me wrong. I think these issues are more related to poverty and quality of life than religion or lack thereof.

This is more directed to the religious people who have posted on this thread which state that religion keeps people more moral, whatever the circumstances of their lives may be. I am trying to show them that empirical evidence would indicate otherwise, that factors OTHER than religion are more likely to guide people's behavior and morality, or else there would be a correlation between religious devotion and lower rates of social dysfunction.

[NoMoFearNoMoHate]

The religious think they have a 'get out of hell free card' {:-)

[Gumby69]

Man that show is irritating. What a bunch of cackling hens.

[TeslaFan]

Elizabeth may be an irrational Fundie, but man!

[OgreDaddy]

Organized religion has used the hopeless ignorance of mankind to manipulate the sheeple
as a means to control power and wealth and nothing more.

Just imagine what would happen if, in our lifetime we were to finally learn the truth about
superior life forms from somewhere in the universe.

I look forward to that day with hope that such knowledge would FINALLY put an end
to all the misguided delusions of reality imposed on the human race by religion.

[wisdom101]

Hey, you will never see that day-don't hold your breath. As the old song says: "this is it-look no further".

You need to decide now who's team your own, you can't afford to wait it out, you won't live that long.

[Hirnlego]

Why does he need to decide now? Hell awaits to non-believers? Thats not a moral god.

[DontBeFoolish]

Hey OgreDaddy, I guarantee you that you will one day see that superior being your wishing you could see. When you do, I'm pretty sure you won't be to happy.

[pleasegetitright]

You are right.

[Hirnlego]

Had your birthplace been in India you would be a believer in Hinduism instead :P

[jpscratches]

Guarantee? I can guarantee you've been brainwashed and unlike you, I've got proof.

[notb observer]

One thing that seems to be a reliable predictor of a bible thumper is their inability to handle even the most basic spelling conventions. DontBeFoolish... You got all the hard words right, but you were given away by "your wishing".
Another thing bible thumpers have in common is their refusal to think critically and to question their own beliefs. If you want to devote your life to a cause, go ahead. But at least demonstrate some intellect and curiosity about that cause. You and you ilk, who are so ready to attack anyone who does not share your unfounded beliefs, would have been the first in line to join the German National Socialist party at its inception. You might at this moment even be working as a courier for the Mafia and be completely oblivious of the fact.
Please take some time to find out how the bible and your religion came to be before committing to every word of it, and trying to force your views on others with Rove like fear mongering.
Finally, please explain to us how you intend to "guarantee" the claim in your first sentence. You cannot ! Therefore nothing you say can, or should be taken seriously.

[crazyantipodian]

Hey there believers and atheists alike. Here's a little experiment that may bring you all together at last! Close your eyes and have a little thought. Any thought. Can you see who it is that's providing that voice inside your head? Is the voice coming from someone invisible? Is it coming from you? Or do you BELIEVE it is coming from you? See you're not so far apart are you!

[pleasegetitright]

What is the thought?

[crazyantipodian]

It doesn't matter. You have to believe that its you thinking! Don't you. That or you've taken someone else's word for it!

[TheBlackCat]

Fundamental Christianity & Islam = obsessive fear that someone, somewhere, in some way, is having a good time.

I highly recommend the graphic novel "Lucifer" written by Mike Carey. It's a spin off of the Sandman comics, in which Lucifer gets tired of his job, gives up the keys to hell, and starts a piano bar in Los Angeles. One of the main tenants of the book is that sin comes primarily not from desire but from the suppression of that desire, which I agree with fully. Just look at Holland, where most vices are legal and easily obtainable. They have a low crime rate, low domestic abuse rate, - pretty much every social ill is very low (compared to the rest of the world). They have the LOWEST teen pregnancy rate in the ENTIRE world (including aborted pregnancy), a very low divorce rate, and their use of drugs by minors is one of the lowest in the world even though those drugs are legal in their nation! AND they have one of the world's most productive work forces! They see that a little vice does a lot of good in keeping people healthy psychologically. Their motto is "all things in moderation."

In the book at one point, Lucifer strikes a deal with God in which he is able to create his own universe. When he does so, he gives it's occupant ONE commandment that they must follow...

Worship no one.

[TeslaFan]

Try Richard Dawkins on.

http://www.amazon.com/God-Delusion-Richard-Dawkins/dp/0618918248/ref=pd_bbs_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222874915&sr=8-4

[Hirnlego]

Plus Hitchens - God is not great and Dan Dennett - Breaking the spell.

[pleasegetitright]

Yes, a little vice does a lot of good for a little time, then what.

[TeslaFan]

More vice, duh!

[notb observer]

Another decent read is Bart Ehrman's "Misquoting Jesus". This guy started out as a hardcore "Born Again", well on his way down the path to becoming minister. Through his own critical thinking eventually chose another direction. Although there is some repetition in parts of the book, it should be required reading for the fundamentalist right. First challenge is to get them to read though...

[FrankFurter]

It seems to me that today's 'religion" is nothing more than tribalism masking closed minds that need to justify their myopic beliefs by choosing to believe rather than think things out thoroughly.

I believe the Flying Spaggetti Monster truly exists, some call "him" god, some call "him" lunch...

Today's religious enterprises are just like neo conservatism - the speal is always "Conservatism cannot fail the people, it's the people who fail conservatism". God doesn't fail the people, it's the people who fail god. The Christionist religious folks who choose to thump their good books one day a week, cast aspersions and judge others 7 days a week are nothing more than religious partisans. People who need to find some unquestionable reason for their decisions so they don't have to think or rationalize.

Very convenient when the act of introspection might well show one something unpleasant, something one does not want to recognize about one's self.

Spirituality is an entirely different thing than today's mass marketed religions.

I did see a religious leader once say that god would "take him away" if he didn't raise millions, another get caught for embezzling millions, another get caught for adultery, another for child molestation...I know, I know, those people failed god......I also saw on the TeeVee many opportunities to by healing towels, healing bottled water, healing wall hangings........all for a minimum donation of...

[tanmany2k]

I think it is very offensive to make fun of and disrespect someone's religion.

[TeslaFan]

But its OK to call Atheists Evil and Immoral.

[pleasegetitright]

I don't call you that if it helps any.

[pleasegetitright]

And I think you are a very kind person. Thank you.

[TeslaFan]

But its OK to disrespect Atheists.

[pleasegetitright]

Who is disrespecting you?

[Hirnlego]

Well you're wrong. It should be no different than criticizing other beliefs people have, like where they stand on politics.

[Hirnlego]

And especially since many religions wants to convert anyone to believe their superstition.
A fight against too much religion is a fight for freedom.

[pleasegetitright]

Might we discuss instead?

[notb observer]

You are so right ! Religion itself is harmless. It's the people who subscribe to the tenets of the religion that are the typically problem. Are you a Scientologist ? Why not ? Is it too wacky ? Unfortunately, Scientology is just as legitimate a religion as yours.
When was the last time you saw an agnostic or atheist church ? Only people out to "sell you something" would set up such sophisticated worldwide networks of retail outlets.
Religious freedom is a right. It is not an excuse or defense of any religion. Most major religious systems have in common the degradation, condemnation or disdain of "unbelievers". Is that not discrimination, perhaps even a hate crime ?

[POLINUT]

I can't WAIT to see this movie! I'm taking the WHOLE family, too!

[pleasegetitright]

Might I suggest Six Flags?

[TeslaFan]

Delusional Condescending Jerk.

[Eric8869]

ha ha ha - funny

[Quaoar]

Nah. We prefer the fun of watching Christian heads explode when we tell them we're bringing our children up to be heathen nonbelievers after they ask us why we took the kids to this movie.

[CammyV]

Bill Maher verbalizes so many things that people think but are too PC to say out loud. He'd better watch out though, the religious zealots will smite him as an infidel.

[TeslaFan]

Im sure he's packing heat

[tdaniel39]

I don't think Bill Maher needs watch out for anything. His mouth has been on the edge of a cliff for close to two decades now. As controversial as he is, he's brilliant and is never afraid to speak his mind.